The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1887-12-09

pr0Cuct anu eloulu Dc Cnerl6neo, aa 1t
forma tho basls Of the wealth and prosper.
ity Of the town. When tho writer saw
New Cumberland seventeen years ago
about the same number OF fire brick works
we're In operation, but thoy were in O
semi.laneuishing condition owing to the
lack OF facilities for shipping their pro-
ducts. But even this draw back could not
keep down the enterprise OF the thrifty
manufacturers, and in the seventeen years
that have gone by nearly every establish
nent has doubled It's capacity, and now
comes the helping hand Of the iron horse
that will encourage them to greater enter
prlses, and lead them out Of the wilder
nees in which they have dwelt many years
longer than strsyed the Isrnelitss OF old.
1t is now demonstrated fac! that the
town haa found ..a
The way shc long has sought,
And inourned because she found II not.
That ia, asubatan;lsl railway over which
her goods can be carried to the markets
that are sighing ior them, because they
will have no other. II Is not like some
blessings that come Gieeuised, but bene.
Fl. that is plainly demonstrated. What
the future Of the town will bs remains
with her citizene, aud, being left in such
safe hands, 1t does not take the wisdom OF
a prophet, or the insight OF seer to FORE
tell that it will be bright and prosperous.
TIE NEED OF THE RAILROAD.
OF course every tosn 10 benefited by a
railroad, but there a.e some townn to
whom greater advantages sccrus than
others, and New Cum bsrland Is one OF
them. The short talk had with Mr., B.
J. Smith, presiden! Of McMshon, Porter
& Co.'s concern, fully subs.cntiates thie
point. He is ono OF the most enthusiastic
mou in the Brick City over tho advent Of
the railroad, and it 10 little wonder that
he is as emilius sad happy as boy with
answer to an inquiry OF the reporter:
"Ies, this railroad will be Of untold bene.
lt to New Cumberland. Why, look what
Te had to contend with in chipping. Low
water in summer and ice in winter. When
there was q good stage Of water there was
double handling Of the products which,
Of course, added to their cost, Besides
there was G scarcity Of cars, the Cleveland
& Pittsburgh being unable to furnish the
qusntily desired. Often fiat loads Of
bricks and aeTer pipe have lain two weeks
waiting shipment. Now all is changed,
and it would bs supslhuous to add that
We are highly glad Of it."
"And thatit is woyth q jollifcstion, ;"
interrupted ths reporter.
"Yes; indeed i: is an event entirely
worthy of our expression OF Joy. Our
lirm," continued MIR. Smith, "shipped the
first car over tho nov road. That was on
the 18Th Of November. They had iust
iaiebed the switch at our establishment,
aud the main line was but few feet
ahead when they unloaded car OF rails.
After unloading it they told us We could
uno it il we wantsd to. Well, We couldn't
fill that car too quick. Since that time
Te have shipped seventy car loads"
This goes to show what the traffic Of the
road will bs after it 10 thoroughly ballast.
cd, and completely equipped. With
sixteen FIRE brick and sewer pipe estab-
lishments to offer it freight 1t cannot be
doubted but that 1t will eventually become
one OF the busiest thoroughfarss in tho
country. twill also bs of no mean inter
est to Wheeling, aa the people who have
dealt elaowheTe will certainly take some
pride in pstronizing the metropolin OF the
State, and placing tho Nail City in closer
relations with the hitherto almost mac.
cessible portion OF the Panhandle.
NEW cuMDERLAND's INDUsrRIRs.
It's not stating anything new when it
is said that New Cumberland Is renowned
for the manufacture Of FIRE brick and
sewer pipe, but from this statement Of
bare iacta one has no adequate conception
Of tho extenaivonees Of the industry. The
reporter through the courtesy OF MIR.
Howard Smith, son Of ono Of the proprie-
tor5, was shown through the large plant
Of McMabon, Porter & Co., and was sur
priasd at the many things be had heard of
but had never seen. Besides having the
advantage Of 8 superior clay the brick
manufactures possess another advantage
in the cheap fuel Of natural gas. All these
things with the new railroad will allow
thom to reach the markots OF the country
and compete more fsvorably with other
establishments Of like.nature than has
heretofore baen their privilege. The town
shows that en- impstus has already been
given to her enterprise. Many new build
ings are in procesg OF erection, and next
spring will undoubtedly Geo large num-
Der OF new houses contracted for. A large
tract OF ground on the Ridge, the dwell.
i ing portion OF the town, has been laid of
in lots aud new streets opened up. At
present thore la under construction in this
portion the new Presbyterian church,
which will be entirely Of stone, to be
erected Ata cost OF some $4,000. r&
The town has one bBnk, the Citizene, OF
Smith and Campbell, thst is doing flour.
iuhing husineaa. This bank Is oihcered az
follows: President, 3. J. Smith Cashier
John A. Campbell; Assia!ant Cashier,
J. L. ;BrInnon.
The general store OF Porter & Co., which
was established In 1874 and incorporated
in 1882, 10 the most extensive concern ol
its hind in the country. The most promi
mont citizens OF Now Cumberland are nun
bered among Its Stockholders, and its in
tegrity is only equal 70 its solvency. III
paid-up capital with surplus is $t5. 900
and 1t doee o yearly buninesa Of $50, GOO
Mr.. J. II. Porter ia President OF the con
cern, and L. R. Smith is Secretary ant
Treasurer. 80
The combined capacity OF the brick ans
sewer pipe works is about $50 600 per day
lor four million and half q year, an I'm
mense tonnage for short branch rosd
Besides these works there is well az
: pointed foundry and carbon works. al
! tho bricks marketed arc sold by the Wes
Virginia Fire Brick Company; that is, q
. the works havo formed pool. In add
; ton to the works now In operation sewers
, new ones are projected and will he bui
! in the spsing, Va